Tycoon brings two passions to the fore

MANILA, Philippines - Can a tycoon ever meld his twin passions for landmark real estate developments and fine wine?

Apparently, yes, if one inspects the newest venture of Alliance Global Group Inc. (AGI) chair Andrew Tan. Twin Lakes, featuring more than 1,100 hectares of land, is the first master-planned integrated tourism estate in Tagaytay City and the country’s first and only vineyard resort community.

This new project expertly combines what could be his two most fervent passions: developing prime township projects through Megaworld Corp. and Global-Estate Resorts Inc. (GERI) and liquor manufacture through Emperador Distillers Inc. (EDI), which markets popular brands Emperador Brandy and The Bar. All three companies are subsidiaries of his holding firm, AGI.

The tycoon is known to devote a lot of time meticulously planning his new township projects. And that is exactly what he did for Twin Lakes, including going on a recent trip to Toledo, Spain, to immerse himself on the country’s storied wine making tradition. This, of course, is seen as a crucial move to kick off the vineyard activities in Twin Lakes.

“My trip to Finca Constancia near Madrid, which has been nurtured by five generations of the same family, has given me renewed fervor that the cool climes of Tagaytay will be able to host the country’s first world-class vineyard and wine cellar. With Twin Lakes’ huge expanse, we will be able to create a township that promises tourists a fascinating experience and entice retirees as well to spend their golden years here,” said Alliance Global Group Inc. (AGI) chair Andrew Tan.

The country’s first and only vineyard resort community will rise at Twin Lakes.

The Vineyard, the new tourism estate’s premier community, will finally bring Europe’s revered winemaking traditions to the Philippines. It will host a hotel and spa, residential condominiums and a traditional wine chateau for aging the vintage produce — all with views of the vineyard and a man-made lake. At the edge of this property bordering the main Tagaytay road will rise a shopping village. Two other commercial centers are planned, one at the heart of the property and one near the shore of Taal Lake at the other end of the estate.

Other portions of this 15-part estate include three residential subdivisions: Domaine Le Montagne, Le Soleil and Le Jardin. A retirement community, wellness center, university park and subdivision with farm lots are also planned.

A new 18-hole championship golf course will challenge the capabilities of local and international players due to the site’s rolling terrain. Select residential lots will be opened within the golf course that will offer magnificent views of the perfectly manicured fairways and crater lake.

Meanwhile, environmentalists will be glad to learn that over a third of the entire estate, at 378.7-hectares, has been classified as a nature park to preserve Tagaytay’s forest species and serve as a tree nursery. “As a topnotch developer, this is our way of setting an example and encouraging our employees and future residents to join our efforts to sustain the environment. This portion of Twin Lakes will remain untouched by development,” the tycoon declared.

Twin Lakes boasts a huge expanse, from Tagaytay Ridge all the way down near the lake shore.

And what could be the most prized property within Twin Lakes? It may just be the 20-hectare Domaine Du Lac residential village, quite near the shores of the picturesque Taal Lake. Fishing, watersports and trekking are other activities that residents can enjoy within the lake and volcano island.

Families looking for a second home within the mild climes of Tagaytay may now inspect the prime lots of Domaine Le Jardin at the Twin Lakes project site and get access to a fascinating vineyard, an enchanting lake and so much more.

For information, call Megaworld Globa-Estate at 904-5580 or visit www.global-estate.ph.